Reversible Nose Faceplate for Wiring Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installers face the inconvenience and additional cost of maintaining a faceplate inventory to cover holes in walls for electrical and audiovisual wiring, as existing solutions require multiple faceplate sizes and shapes to accommodate different wiring configurations.
Innovation Solution
A faceplate system with interchangeable nose members that can protrude in different directions, allowing a single faceplate to fit various configurations and reducing the need for multiple inventory items by using adjustable nose members with extension portions and ears that can be removed or used depending on the orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple faceplate sizes and shapes are maintained in inventory to accommodate different wiring configurations, then adaptability to various installation needs is improved, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The faceplate is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple wiring configurations through a single unit. The nose member can be oriented in different directions (front-facing or rear-facing) and the ears can be selectively removed or retained, allowing one faceplate design to serve multiple installation scenarios that previously required different faceplate sizes and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The faceplate incorporates dynamic configurability through the optional removal of ears and the ability to orient the nose member in different directions. This transforms a static faceplate design into a dynamic system that can be adapted during installation to match various wiring configurations, eliminating the need to maintain multiple static faceplate variants in inventory.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple faceplate sizes and shapes are maintained in inventory, then coverage for all wiring scenarios is improved, but installation time and efficiency deteriorate due to selection and retrieval processes
Solution Approach 1:
The universal faceplate design allows installers to use a single faceplate type for all wiring scenarios, eliminating the time-consuming process of searching through and selecting the appropriate faceplate size or shape from inventory. The same faceplate can be configured for different applications by simply adjusting the nose member orientation and ear configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The faceplate is designed in advance with all possible configuration options built into its structure. The ears are pre-formed and can be easily removed or retained based on the specific installation needs, and the nose member is designed to accommodate both front-facing and rear-facing orientations. This preliminary design flexibility eliminates the need for on-site decision-making and selection from multiple inventory items.
3Device complexity
If a single faceplate design is used for all configurations, then inventory cost is reduced, but adaptability to specific wiring orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The faceplate incorporates dynamic configurability through the optional removal of ears and the ability to orient the nose member in different directions. This transforms a static faceplate design into a dynamic system that can be adapted during installation to match various wiring configurations, eliminating the need to maintain multiple static faceplate variants in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The faceplate is segmented into functional components: the main body, the nose member, and the ears. The ears can be selectively removed or retained based on the specific installation requirements, and the nose member can be oriented in different directions. This segmentation allows a single faceplate design to adapt to multiple orientations and configurations while maintaining inventory simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Reversible nose faceplate. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including a faceplate and a nose member. The nose member includes: an extension portion; a nose portion; a first abutting surface; a second abutting surface; a first set of ears coupled to the extension portion adjacent the nose portion; and a second set of ears coupled to the extension portion opposite the first set of ears. The nose member is configured to couple to the faceplate in multiple configurations, including: a first configuration in which the nose portion protrudes through a nose aperture of the faceplate in the direction of the front side of the faceplate, the first abutting surface abuts the back side of the faceplate, and the faceplate is affixed to the first set of ears; and a second configured in which the nose portion protrudes in the direction of the back side of the faceplate, the second abutting surface abuts the back side of the faceplate, and the faceplate is affixed to the second set of ears.